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Published on: August 13, 2020
Indoor-breeding of Aedes albopictus in northern peninsular Malaysia and its potential epidemiological implications
Hamady Dieng1, Rahman G M Saifur, Ahmad Abu Hassan
1School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia. hamachan1@yahoo.com
Background:
The mosquito Ae. albopictus is usually adapted to the peri-domestic environment and typically breeds outdoors. However, we observed its larvae in most containers within homes in northern peninsular Malaysia. To anticipate the epidemiological implications of this indoor-breeding, we assessed some fitness traits affecting vectorial capacity during colonization process. Specifically, we examined whether Ae. albopictus exhibits increased survival, gonotrophic activity and fecundity due to the potential increase in blood feeding opportunities.
Methodology/Principal Findings:
In a series of experiments involving outdoors and indoors breeding populations, we found that Ae. albopictus lives longer in the indoor environment. We also observed increased nighttime biting activity and lifetime fecundity in indoor/domestic adapted females, although they were similar to recently colonized females in body size.
Conclusion/Significance:
Taken together these data suggest that accommodation of Ae. albopictus to indoor/domestic environment may increase its lifespan, blood feeding success, nuisance and thus vectorial capacity (both in terms of increased vector-host contacts and vector population density). These changes in the breeding behavior of Ae. albopictus, a potential vector of several human pathogens including dengue viruses, require special attention.
Insights
The Asian tiger mosquito (Ae. albopictus) shows increased survival and reproduction when breeding indoors. This adaptation enhances its disease-carrying potential, requiring closer monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Medical Entomology
- Vector Biology
Background:
- Ae. albopictus typically breeds outdoors but is increasingly found indoors in Malaysia.
- Indoor breeding may offer advantages influencing the mosquito's role as a disease vector.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess fitness traits of Ae. albopictus adapting to indoor environments.
- To evaluate changes in survival, reproduction, and blood-feeding related to indoor colonization.
Main Methods:
- Comparative experiments on outdoor and indoor breeding populations of Ae. albopictus.
- Assessment of survival rates, gonotrophic activity, and fecundity.
Main Results:
- Ae. albopictus exhibited significantly longer lifespan in indoor environments.
- Indoor-adapted females showed increased nighttime biting activity and lifetime fecundity.
- Body size of indoor-adapted females was comparable to recently colonized ones.
Conclusions:
- Adaptation to indoor environments enhances Ae. albopictus lifespan and reproductive success.
- Increased lifespan and biting activity heighten the mosquito's vectorial capacity and nuisance.
- Changes in breeding behavior necessitate focused attention due to potential increases in disease transmission, including dengue viruses.
